Strive CIO: Prolonged Bitcoin Downturn Could Trigger Industry M&A Wave

Strive Chief Investment Officer Ben Werkman stated that if Bitcoin prices remain low for an extended period, it will increase pressure on Bitcoin treasury companies that rely on convertible bond financing. Some companies may be forced to sell BTC to maintain operations or repay debt, potentially triggering mergers and acquisitions, asset sales, and restructuring. Werkman noted that Strive has chosen to finance solely through equity to avoid the pressures of convertible bonds, and has already acquired peer company Semler Scientific as an example of industry consolidation. He pointed out that some companies are proactively reducing debt and adjusting their balance sheets, and expects more mergers, acquisitions, and structural adjustments in the future to cope with sustained market weakness and conservative treatment of Bitcoin asset values by rating agencies. (Theblock)